why are hvac copper tubing & water copper pipe so different in price if they are interchangable?
Copper pipe comes in different wall thicknesses. Type K copper is the thickest, and most expensive. It is identified by green lettering, on the pipe. It is used, in soft rolls, in underground applications. Next is type L copper, and it is identified by blue lettering, on the pipe. This is the most used of all the grades of copper pipe, and is used in commercial applications. The third type is type M copper, and is identified by red lettering, on the pipe. This type is used primarily in residential applications. The fourth, and thinest copper is type DWV, and is identified by yellow lettering on the pipe. This is the cheapest type of copper pipe, and it is used primarily for Drains, Waste, and Vents, thus, this is where it gets it's name. Although it is thin, it will last longer than cast iron, or galvanized pipes, used for sewer systems. These are the only 4 types of copper available. ACR pipe, or refrigerant copper, is type L copper, but it is sealed at the factory, with a charge of nitrogen, with rubber caps, to prevent moisture from entering the pipe. The reason for this, is to aid the HVAC installer, when he is trying to charge your copper lines with freon. Moisture in an HVAC system is a system killer. The technician hooks up a vacuum pump to the refrigerant lines, to remove all moisture, and air in the lines, prior to introducing freon into the system. Keeping the moisture out of the pipes, is what makes the price difference in this type of copper. This type of copper is used extensively in hospitals, for oxygen, and other gas lines, and for air conditioning systems, both residential, and commercial. There is no reason, why you couldn't use this type of copper for water lines, except for the price. I hope this helps to clarify all the wrong information that is being put out here. Good luck!
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